A Lens Over Conflicted Memory: Surveying ‘Troubles’ Commemoration in Northern Ireland

Abstract

The political functions of conflict-related commemoration have been examined in Northern Ireland, as in other deeply divided societies. However, a gap in research has persisted. In order to properly examine and evaluate local commemoration as a political activity, we should find out the size and spread of this activity, and ascertain who is responsible for its production. Accordingly, this paper presents the findings of a scoping survey of ‘Troubles’-related commemoration in Northern Ireland. We supply survey data in relation to types of commemoration; categories of actor; frequency; and location. Combining this with field observation of the forms and themes of commemoration, we examine how these data can frame our understandings of the environment of ‘Troubles’ memory.

Keywords:

• commemoration
• Northern Ireland; Troubles; post conflict; divided society; Political Memory

ORCID

Kris Brown http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2937-5394

Notes

1. Our project included longitudinal field observation and visual methodologies, but they are not the main focus of this paper.

2. CAIN showed republicans and loyalists leading in memorial production. See http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/victims/memorials/index.html. The ratio of security forces and civilian memorials was higher, as CAIN included small plaques in the relatively private space of police stations or churches, etc.

3. Statistics sourced from www.nisra.gov.uk (Accessed 2 August 2015)

4. ‘Interview: Francie Molloy, Sinn Féin National Commemorations Committee’, An Phoblacht, 7 March 2008.

 

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Research Challenge Fund, Ulster University, awarded in 2014.